Sport

HELLENIC LEAGUE: No father and sons act for Purton assistant Hall

PURTON assistant boss Steve Hall did not expect that aged 53 he would be lacing up his boots this season but, with eight players missing, he was required to ride the bench as his side won 2-0 at Tuffley Rovers.

Hall could have joined his two sons Marcus and Callum on the pitch too but in the end was not required.

The Halls did have a good day though, Callum returned from long-term injury to pick up the man-of-the-match award while Marcus opened the scoring from the spot. Johnny Coole got Purton’s second in the 70th minute to make the game safe.

The opening of the first half was dominated by the hosts as they made the most of the wind and the slope but the closest Tuffley came was hitting the woodwork.

In the second half Purton took the game by the scruff of the neck, which pleased Hall and manager Chris Pethick on the sidelines.

“We had a lot more possession and got a few more chances on goal. In the second half we were more focused on pressuring their ‘keeper and that paid dividends.

“We had possession in the first half but didn’t put their ‘keeper under enough pressure,” said Hall.

“A lot of sides at the moment are struggling through injury which is a bit disappointing but it was 100 per cent from the players available, we won 2-0 and won playing well. It was a little bit unexpected against a strong team, which is pleasing.

“I’m 53 and I was on the bench. In the last 10 minutes I fancied getting on, I had my sons out there so it would have been nice.”

Hall also reserved praise for Johnny Cowley who returned from three months out injured to play ninety minutes.

Elsewhere in Hellenic League Division One South & West Mark Teasdale Swindon New College Slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Hook Norton.

The loss leaves the Students just three points above Malmesbury Victoria but still way ahead of the adrift trio of Carterton, Old Woodstock Town and Letcombe.